The interior of a stunning CG Conn C-Melody Saxophone, made in 1924. The green oxidisation of almost a century of concerts is clearly visible. Unlike every other saxophone out there, the C Melody saxophone (which is bigger than an alto, but smaller than a tenor) plays in concert pitch. This has some obvious practical advantages, such as being able to play from music written for piano, flute or violin without having to transpose. But despite this, the instrument has all but fallen from usage since it’s heyday in the early years of the 20th Century.